Thurles brace for Mullins and Walsh After his fall from Hardline in the 1.20 Bryan Cooper was stood down with a sore forearm. He was replaced by J J Slevin on Valgor Du Ronceray in the Holycross Maiden Hurdle but that one could only manage third behind 8/15 favourite Aussie Reigns, who brought up a Thurles double for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. Cooper didn't have to go for x-rays but he'll have to pass the doctor before riding at Limerick tomorrow. Eventual second Montana Belle stayed on to press Aussie Reigns at the last when she pecked, and the Mullins horse then went on to prevail by two and a half lengths. Mullins, earlier on the mark with Riven Light, said: "He was fortunate enough the other horse (Montana Belle) made a mistake at the last and I'd be going out in trip with him. "I'm delighted to win over two miles but he'd want another half mile any day of the week. His best work will be going further." D.N. Russell, rider of Mister Butler trained by C.Byrnes, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran green. P.D. Kennedy, rider of Goodthynemilan, trained by Denis Ahern, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he held onto his mount to ensure she saw out the trip and she gave a good blow late on . A.W. Short, rider of Like A Flash, trained by Ray Hackett, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran green, stayed on past beaten horses late, and may improve for a step up in trip. (TW & EM)
